This is a regular communication from LAA's President & CEO, Kris Valerio Shock, designed to provide information, spark conversation and facilitate connections throughout the LAA Community.
Posted By Kris V. Shock,
Friday, March 19, 2021
Updated: Friday, March 19, 2021
On March 12, 2020, the Flagship Class of 2020 visited the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management Command Center as part of their Law & Public Safety Day. They toured the dispatch center where emergency management stakeholders gather in case of an emergency.
Within a couple of days, the community witnessed briefings by the County Executive from that very location as we embarked on this year-long COVID-19 crisis. We had no idea how deep and how long the crisis would run. We began day by day to pivot and adapt, committed to flattening the curve. We masked and distanced and washed hands. Spring turned to summer, then to fall, then to winter. Four seasons of COVID-19. Flagship and NLA 2020 classes graduated virtually and Flagship and NLA 2021 classes embarked on their unique program experiences. Many LAA graduates have spent the year on the front lines of pandemic response.
Much has been threatened or lost. Loved ones, livelihoods and lifestyles. Simple pleasures we took for granted. And yet much has survived and even thrived in this unprecedented year of challenge. New simple pleasures discovered. Now, a new spring is upon us. As we thaw from winter, and vaccinations pick up their pace, we eagerly spring forward to recover and reconnect, safely in-person, as we are able.
LAA programs have begun to return to at least partial in-person sessions and look to wrap up our program years with full in-person days (if possible). We are cautious and tentative (we'll see how it goes), continuing to take temperatures and mask and wash hands.
We must find ways to connect again in-person. And yet we're all a bit rusty. (Remind me, how does one dress for in-person meetings again? How much time do we need to leave for travel beyond our home-office or living room? How will my dog survive at home alone all day?)
A few phrases and ideas stay front of mind. The first, a quote from Sara Bareilles: "I know you miss the world, the one you knew, the one where everything made sense." Orpheus - Sara Bareilles
Yet we were cautioned against trying to return to a "normal" that no longer exists and acknowledged together that "people are out of surge capacity".
We discussed digging into what we want to remember from this current situation, before chasing the life we used to know. What have we learned? What can we take from this year of struggle to build back better?
Andrew closed with an African Proverb, one of my favorite sayings, and one that is truly apropos with the LAA experience: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
As the snow to melts from the daffodils, I look forward moving forward with the LAA Community, beyond the COVID crisis. We have a great many opportunities to “go together” in the coming weeks. To join us, in-person and online, follow us on Facebook and check out the Community Calendar.
What are you most looking forward to as we gently #springforward together?
Posted By Kris V. Shock,
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Updated: Wednesday, February 17, 2021
February is tough. In "normal" times (anyone remember what "normal" felt like?), February is tough. As we approach a year of living with the pandemic, it's just that much more so. The holidays are behind us, the New Year's renewal/resolution spirit has evaporated, tax season is upon us and that blasted groundhog settled in for six more weeks of winter! As I write this message, the forecast is calling for a Winter Storm Warning with 3-6 inches of snow! Last month I shared that there are #betterdaysahead and while I still believe that to be true (have you noticed it's staying lighter, later?), February is tough.
All the more reason to lean into leadership and share your love of fellow leaders, mentors, classmates. We will make it to springtime together (and perhaps meetup for outside happy hour by the waterfront when we hit above 60 degrees?), but in the meantime, I invite you to consider the top five ways to #shareyourlove of Leadership and warm up the dreary month of February!
Call a LAA colleague and check-in: Whether you graduated from the first Flagship Class in 1994, the most recent NLA class in 2020, or anywhere in between, take a moment to reach out to one of your classmates and check-in. How have they fared in this year of unprecedented challenge? Are there initiatives you or we can amplify to help them in the coming year? A moment of connection will go a long way to warming up the weeks ahead. Click here to find your colleagues in the LAA Online Community.
Update your profile at leadershipaa.org: Did you know there's whole online community available to LAA graduates? Why not take a moment to take your place among fellow graduates - update your contact information, upload a photo, connect your social accounts and add volunteer activities and other additional information to your profile. Need help navigating the online resource? Join us for LAA101 or contact us today to make the most of the online community.
Like and share with us on Social: Have you liked us on Facebook? Do you follow us on Twitter? Are you with us on LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube? You certainly don't have to be everywhere we are, but if you find yourself on any of these social platforms, be sure to connect with us there and take a moment to #feelthelove for #community #leaders making a difference in Anne Arundel County.
Upgrade to Annual or Lifetime Membership: LAA Membership supports Anne Arundel County's Leadership ecosystem - funding the NLA program to inspire, develop and connect our grassroots leaders, expanding Alumni Development events and creating new and innovative ways to serve our community leaders. If you are a graduate but not yet a member, you can upgrade to Annual Membership for less than $10/ month. Already a member? Never think of renewal again with an investment in Lifetime Membership. Click here to explore all of the options.
Make a Donation: Already with us for life? Consider making a tax deductible donation of any amount to the General Fund or the Flagship Scholarship Fund to enable more emerging leaders in Anne Arundel County to participate in upcoming Flagship and Neighborhood Leadership Academy classes! Click here for more information and to donate today.
Do you have other ideas for how to #showyourlove for Leadership this month? Share them in the comments below.
One thing is certain - whether you're trying to get through a year of pandemic or a dreary February, leaders need other leaders to inspire us, support us and cheer us on to lead another day! That's what LAA is all about! #inspire #develop #connect #uncommonaccess #uncommonconnections
The New Year is here, at last. For months, we couldn't wait to be done with 2020. And here we are. And yet, there's no magic. Have you seen the meme making it around the internet: "I'd like to cancel my subscription for 2021. I've experienced the 7-day free trial and I'm not interested." (LOL)
It seems the fog of heavy challenges of 2020 has followed us right into the New Year. We're weary and ready to turn the page. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Nevertheless, there are signs of new beginnings bringing better days ahead. The fog IS lifting.
On January 13th the 442nd Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly got underway. While it will look and feel very different this year, the start of the session marks the start of another season of opportunities to make Maryland a better place to live and work for everyone. (Check out the past and present Chair of the Anne Arundel County Delegation, Senator Pam Beidle (FLG96) and Senator Sarah Elfreth).
Starting January 18, Anne Arundel County's Vaccination Phase 1B began rolling out with county residents who are age 75+. Social media feeds are filled with images of first responders and front line workers with their vaccination shot images. The vaccine we wished for is here. It's happening. We have a rollout plan and we are on our way.
Wednesday, January 20th will mark another milestone as we witness the transfer of power to a new Presidential administration. Whatever your politics, this will bring new energy and approaches to challenges we've faced over the last year. With new leadership, comes new opportunities to collaborate and work together for the common good.
Indeed, I believe better days are coming; and yet, we still have a long road ahead. New strains of the virus bring new challenges. In some ways it may seem that "it gets worse before it gets better". Now, more than ever, we will need to lean on each other and support and celebrate our local leaders in the weeks and months ahead. When given the choice to critique or lend a hand, we must step up and offer that extra push to get us all on the other side of this difficult time.
There is good news: The days are getting longer, the fog will lift and there will be better days ahead. And LAA will continue to provide opportunities to connect and gain strength from fellow leaders. This month, join us for a Leadership Speaker Series featuring Dr. Dawn Lindsay (ELS13), President of Anne Arundel Community College, in conversation with FLG95 Alumni, Larry Ulvila. Grab your lunch and log on to join LAA classmates and colleagues and get the second (or third, or fourth) wind you need to press on to #betterdaysahead.
Posted By Kris V. Shock,
Monday, December 14, 2020
Updated: Sunday, December 13, 2020
#sharethejoy
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
-Mahatma Gahndi
These days are tough. It's easy to get caught up in the daily challenges in front of us. They're real. That said, if there is anything I've learned from working with community leaders, it's that the antidote to personal difficulties, is to focus on helping others. No matter how insurmountable one's personal picture might be, shifting focus outward on helping others, always brings needed energy, perspective and optimism.
On Saturday, November 21st LAA hosted a Food Collection event in partnership with Feed Anne Arundel, The Anne Arundel County Food Bank and the Greater Parole Community Association. Throughout the day, 40 volunteers (FLG and NLA alumni and current class members) collected more than 3,000 pounds of food and essential supplies and raised $1364 in cash to feed families in need across the county.
The photo album from the event is available here. It is certain to become an annual LAA event.
On the same day, across town (FLG07) Lisa Seborowski's #justonesweater initiative soared to new heights with interim totals including:
3476 sweaters
572 coats
10 bags of infant clothes
10 bags children’s clothes
750 items for Purple Heart
Meanwhile, LAA Flagship grads and Annapolis Rotary Breakfast Group friends: Elaine Shanley (FLG14), Trish Farrell (FLG17), and Barb Eilertsen (FLG18) spread the joy of the season downtown Annapolis, “ringing the bells,” the sound of the season, to support the Salvation Army’s traditional holiday fundraiser.
These are just a few ways LAA grads bring joy to the season in the spirit of helping others.
If you are looking for a little joy this holiday, we hope you will join us on Wednesday, December 13th to #sharethejoy of the season with LAA colleagues on the LAA Virtual Holiday Party. We'll gather over a virtual cup of cheer, celebrate leadership through the challenge of 2020 and toast to a fresh start in 2021. Featuring festive live music zoomed live from Brian Boru, (optional) curbside cocktails and appetizers from Soul* and lively breakout groups, polls and more to drive uncommon connections.
We hope you'll join us and share what brings you joy and perhaps how you have "lost yourself in the service of others" this season!
Full details and registration are available here. Hope to see you there!
Posted By Kris V. Shock,
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Updated: Thursday, November 19, 2020
In the early days of the pandemic, I got a tip from Leadership Rhode Island, to begin virtual meetings with an uplifting music video. It has served me well. It covers the awkward moments when people are signing on and gets everyone on the same page for the start of the event.
Earlier this week, looking for a video to start the Flagship Talk, I stumbled upon Times Like This featuring Darius Rucker. Do yourself a favor and take a moment to watch the video.
"In times like this we could all use an angel.
In times like this, in times like this.
In times like this we can all use somebody to help us get through it."
It’s my new favorite song. In times like this, the LAA Community rises and shines. The Food Collection Event we have planned for Saturday is living proof.
On Saturday the LAA Community will come together to collect food and other necessary items to help those in need this holiday season. From the first moment the idea sparked, LAA alumni and the community at large jumped onboard to support the effort.
Susan Thomas (FLG21) and the Anne Arundel Food Bank will have a truck on-site accepting donations.
Monica Alvarado (FLG09) and Feed Anne Arundel will be helping with the collection and accepting donations to feed families this Thanksgiving.
The Greater Parole Community Association, Lon Powell (NLA19, FLG20), Beryle Downs (NLA20) and Sherry Hutton (NLA20) stepped up to host the event at Chambers Park.
Liquified Creative donated the event graphics. Thanks to Shawn Noratel (FLG19), Caitlyn Wiggins (FLG20) and Chad Phillips (FLG21).
Thanks to an introduction by Derek Matthews (FLG19), Chick-fil-A has more than 70 customers signed up to drop off donations and are donating 50 sandwiches to feed volunteers!
Leigh Rand (FLG14) and Fast Signs are donating the signage.
Rise Up Coffee is donating coffee for volunteers.
Elaine Shanley (FLG14), Finance Forward, is lending her pop-up tent and table for the volunteer refreshment station.
27 LAA alumni volunteers are already registered to direct the flow of curb-side donations and collect, sort and load contributions.
There are loads of ways you can support the effort:
Volunteer: A handful of volunteer spots remain open for the afternoon shift (12:00 – 2:30p). You can register to volunteer here.
Donate Curb-side: You can swing by Chambers Park with a donation between 10:00a – 2:00p. Items in most need are listed here.
Donate via Text: You can Text "AACFB49" to 71777 to donate – benefitting the Anne Arundel County Food Bank AND Feed Anne Arundel
Share: You can share the call for donations with your network!
Join us LIVE on Facebook at noon on Saturday, broadcasting from Chambers Park and sharing an update from the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and Feed Anne Arundel on the greatest need during the coming months of the COVID-19 crisis.
If you find yourself struggling with the relentlessness of the COVID crisis, lean into the LAA community. We are made for times like this.
Posted By Kris V. Shock,
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Updated: Tuesday, October 20, 2020
"Are we there yet?"
I remember incentives to stop asking that question as a small person on long family road trips. Anyone else feeling the weight of this extended journey of disruption?
This is your safe space. Leaders need other leaders. For inspiration and encouragement. For the reminder that we're in this together and we're in it for the long haul.
I love how Simon Sinek puts it (at left). For a dose of inspiration, click here and check out a quick video from Simon explaining how important it is to lean on each other when the going gets tough.
Then, think back to your LAA program experience and take a moment to reach out to a classmate you haven't spoken with in a while. Ask them how they're managing in these tumultuous times.
You just might get that little jolt of inspiration you need to make it around the bend. @simonsinek #togetherisbetter
Posted By Kris V. Shock,
Monday, September 21, 2020
Updated: Monday, September 21, 2020
I am beyond proud to share that on September 8th the Flagship 21 class kicked off their program year with the Opening Retreat at London Town. The full roster of the flagship class is available here and photos from the Opening Retreat are captured here.
For weeks prior to the retreat, we had individual and group conversations managing expectations around what the Flagship 21 year would look like. Would it be all virtual? Could we meet in-person safely? Will the 2021 class get the same value we've come to expect from the Flagship experience?
It is a known concept that good leaders must be able to adapt in times of challenge. The Flagship 2021 class is putting that concept to the test in a true case study on adaptability. Our hybrid approach to session planning is to provide safe, in-person opportunities whenever possible coupled with robust innovative and interactive virtual sessions.
The class of 37 participants represents a broad spectrum of appetite for in-person interaction during these challenging times. Some class members are in front-line positions and have therefore been in the community and with the public since the early days of the pandemic. Others have been isolated in their home offices and on screens. Some crave more in-person interaction, others are wary of the risks. All have embraced the Flagship experience in these uncertain times. All are adapting to new ways of connecting and showing up in their role as leaders.
The Opening Retreat was its own lesson in adaptability. With morning sessions planned outside at London Town, foul weather called for adjustments and quick reshuffling of the game plan. Hopping online, leveraging online polls and breakout groups we adapted "the way we've always done it" to the way we could get it done - to great success! It was a great energizing couple of days and a great start for the Flagship class of 2021!
Of course Flagship 2021 adapting has only just begun. Each Flagship Day committee will create plans A and B to prepare for the unknown - peaks and valleys in our health numbers, evolving health guidelines, ever-changing weather. Fortunately the Flagship Committees are packed with LAA Alumni all rolling and adapting in their own leadership roles on a daily basis.
LAA is far from alone in our necessary adaptations. Look around and organizations and individuals are swiftly embracing new ideas and approaches. Examples are everywhere. To name just a few, click the links below to explore:
Wellness House - Fall Rock n Roll Benefit on the Bay - On Thursday, September 24th, in support of Wellness House of Annapolis' free services to our community touched by cancer, they will offer an exciting virtual concert experience - exclusively for the Wellness House - with gourmet dinner and wine! Read more.
Maryland Hall - On September 11th Maryland Hall transitioned their famous "Arts Alive" fundraiser into a livestream launch party for their new Front Stairs Concert series and statewide mission. Read more.
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra - The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is in the process of rolling out a new at-home symphony experience, finding ways to comply with pandemic restrictions while delivering their standard of musical excellence to patrons in their homes. To do so, they've invested in Symphony+, a comprehensive virtual platform powered by Vimeo Over the Top (OTT) comprised of three unique components: ASO Live!, ASO RePlay and ASO Chats. Read more.
Each of these innovative approaches to disruption are inspiring examples of adaptive leadership. They are also deeply challenging and downright exhausting. Adaptive leaders need other adaptive leaders to share ideas, work out concepts and leverage partnerships; challenging us to reimagine what is possible and celebrating our collective success.
Leadership Anne Arundel provides our local leaders with peers, colleagues, mentors and lifelong friends to power through the transformational change thrust upon our community by disruption. We are excited to nurture a new class of community leaders to support, encourage and challenge each other to adapt and thrive in the weeks, months and years to come.
Posted By Kris V. Shock,
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Updated: Thursday, August 20, 2020
August is an internally busy month for LAA. While our external calendar is quiet and alumni and the community at large soak up the last weeks of summer, internally we are busy with preparations to welcome the Flagship 2021 class with their Opening Retreat on September 9th at London Town. Days are chock full of planning meetings and logistic preparations.
Parallel to the flurry of preparation activities, I continue my personal commitment to reflect inward on my understanding of my part in racial inequity. Months into my personal exploration I don’t have answers, but I have a greater desire for understanding.
In Austin Channing Brown’s book, I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness she said: "Our only chance at dismantling racial injustice is being more curious about its origins than we are worried about our comfort."
During Anne Arundel Community College’s Virtual Event with Robin DiAngelo, Ph.D. - Author of "White Fragility", Dr. DiAngelo called for white people to be "a little more humble and curious."
The more I read and understand about race inequity and my own whiteness, the more I am called to humility and curiosity. The journey continues.
Reflecting on a summer of challenge and unrest, I lean into curiosity and humility to better understand how Leadership Anne Arundel can best serve to inspire, develop and connect our local leaders in these extraordinary times.
Looking forward to the incoming Flagship class, I am deeply curious about more than 35 individuals who have chosen this moment in time for their Flagship experience and I am humbled by their commitment to positively impacting their community.
I am curious about the creative and innovative ways session planning committees will overcome COVID limitations and I am humbled by the passion and commitment of the planning teams to deliver extraordinary experiences for the incoming class.
LAA is built to dig into the challenging topics ahead. Our leadership, alumni and program of work provide ongoing opportunities to come together virtually as needed and in person when possible to tackle tough conversations and emerging opportunities.
Don’t let the external quiet fool you – a whole new season of insight and connections is just around the bend.
Posted By Kris V. Shock,
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Updated: Thursday, July 9, 2020
You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both. -Brene Brown
This month we begin again.
July marks the beginning of LAA’s fiscal year. Following last month’s successful Tribute to Community Leadership celebration, we shift our attention to welcoming new Board members and preparing for a new program year, starting with the Flagship 2021 class opening retreat in September.
I am an organizational leader. My comfort zone is delivering impactful experiences and driving connections. In this time of challenge, uncertainty, and transformation, I struggle with nagging discomfort.
Digging into the discomfort I recognize parallel sources: the deep desire to exceed expectations for the incoming Flagship class in spite of challenges due to COVID-19 and profound understanding that we must dig into the work of greater understanding around racism and social injustice.
The cornerstone of the Flagship program value is unique access and connection to community leaders and experiences. This week, we will be reaching out to 30+ Flagship candidates to confirm participation in the class. It is inspiring and humbling to read the applications of these dedicated community leaders who choose to lean into leadership in a time of such unprecedented challenge. I simply cannot wait to meet them.
The Program Planning Committee will be meeting this month* to begin the process of charting the journey for the incoming Flagship class. Courage comes from the strength of the LAA community who will rise to the challenge and craft each carefully planned Flagship session, leveraging their knowledge and connections to benefit the new Flagship class. While much is still unknown, we will adapt to evolving health considerations and embrace new ways of delivering value like never before. We will deliver on our mission to inspire, develop, and connect a new cohort of community leaders in a time they are needed more than ever. We will provide a Flagship experience filled with opportunities and experiences beyond imagination.
*LAA Flagship program alumni are invited to participate in Flagship program planning. An info session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22nd at 4:00p on Zoom.
To not have the conversations because they make you uncomfortable, is the definition of privilege. Your comfort is not at the center of this discussion. – Brene Brown
In the challenge of real conversations around equity and privilege, reflection brings deeper awareness and deeper discomfort. My initial discomfort springs from the realization of my superficial understanding of racial inequity.
For me personally, before discussion, I must lean into education. This summer, I am leaning into education through a plethora of resources. I am determined to make time to dive into the abundant information available to broaden my understanding of our history, where we are in this moment, and personal actions that may lead to greater understanding and progress for the collective good of our community.
If you find yourself also on a seeking path this summer, I invite you to join me in exploring some of the resources below. From books and podcasts to online events and potentially a LAA virtual book club. Please consider the resources below and let me know if you would like to join the conversation.
Kris
Kris Valerio Shock (FLG06)
President & CEO, Leadership Anne Arundel
Brene Brown: I'm a big fan of Brene Brown in general. If you are new to her approach to leadership, her book Dare to Lead is a good place to start.
Discussions That Matter provides opportunities for graduates of Leadership Programs from across the nation to engage with challenging topics that impact the country. Each session introduces a topic through a panel discussion between seasoned professionals representing corporate, nonprofit, and government entities representing different regions. Following the panel attendees are placed in small groups to engage in meaningful discussions with their fellow leaders.
This conversation will bring individuals who have decades of experience with police use of force oversight and reform together with some of the young leaders who are demanding change. They will center their conversation around the following question. In the current context, what does it mean to defund, reform, reshape, or re-imagine, policing in this country?
2019 Guggenheim Fellow and New York Times bestselling author Ibram X. Kendi will discuss his renowned book “How to Be an Antiracist” on Monday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m. with Dr. Charlene M. Dukes, president of Prince George’s Community College. Dr. Dukes is the first African-American woman to serve as president of the College and has 30 years of progressive leadership experience and administrative responsibility in higher education. The conversation will be streamed live online on Crowdcast, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter/Periscope, and will air on PGCC TV on a later date.
Praised as “The most courageous book to date on the problem of race in the Western mind” (New York Times), Kendi’s groundbreaking work has provided a major new counterpoint in the national conversation about race in America and resonates in this, our collective moment of reckoning.
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor is a book by Layla Saad published on January 28, 2020. The book began on Instagram as a structured 28-day guide targeted at white readers aimed at helping them to identify the impact of white privilege and white supremacy over their lives. It lends itself to an interactive, journaling book club experience.
*I will begin the 28-day guide in August and invite any LAA Alumni who would like to connect virtually during August to share the journey to contact me directly.
Posted By Kris V. Shock,
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Updated: Tuesday, June 16, 2020
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” —Maya Angelou
In this time in America, our community of Anne Arundel County, and in our hearts we are challenged to understand and take our place in dismantling structural racism. It is important to say the names of those who have died from police brutality: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland, Korryn Gaines, Freddie Gray and others. Attention must be paid to these individuals, their names, their stories, their untimely deaths and what that means for all Americans. Moving forward with business as usual, whether it be in your personal, professional or community life, without acknowledging the lived experience and injustices inflicted on black and other marginalized community members continues to cause harm for those directly affected, and for our society at large. But memorializing these lives through spoken word is not enough. To ensure a future of equity and justice for all, action is essential and can take many forms.
The mission of Leadership Anne Arundel is to provide people of diverse backgrounds with the education, resources and networks necessary to become successful proactive leaders. Appreciation for the value and importance of diversity is central to our purpose and value.
In this time of unrest in our community and across the nation, it is important to state clearly LAA's unequivocal support for equity and racial justice. We are also called to reflect.
This summer LAA will focus inward to examine practices and policies we can put in place to strengthen our support of equity and racial justice. First, the Board has made a commitment to look inward and examine its thinking and actions and will participate in training and discussion. We have reaffirmed our commitment to learning from other’s thought leadership on the issues of racial inequity and related topics.
We are considering forming a subcommittee of the Alumni Forum to explore actions we can lead or efforts by other groups that we can support to effect positive change. We invite LAA Alumni to participate in the effort. We will leverage our audience to amplify the leadership of LAA alumni and the broader community on social justice issues.
In these weeks of protest I have found myself at a loss for words (literally). I was moved by Delegate Sheneka Henson’s passionate remarks at the Vigil for Auhmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd at Susan Campbell Park on June 7th when she exclaimed “If you’re here for a photo-op, I don’t need you.” She continued by saying that what is needed is people willing to do the hard work, to go beyond the photo-ops, soundbites and platitudes.
Acknowledging there is a problem, being open to other’s ideas, embracing the opportunity to learn and grow and having the courage to speak out when there is injustice and take action when needed is true leadership. LAA intends to roll up its sleeves and do the hard work that Delegate Henson described. We want to “know better” so we can “do better.”
Last week I had the opportunity to watch a TEDxMidAtlantic webinar on Racial Inequity in a Time of Pandemic. In that program Judy Lubin, PhD, MPH, Sociologist + Racial Justice Advocate at Center for Urban and Racial Equity (CURE) stated that white people need to "show up for this fight having done the internal work." I know that I have work to do. That my role in the present moment is to get quiet and do my homework. As Mahatma Gandhi said: “If you want to change the world, start with yourself.”
Fortunately, I have the power of the LAA community to support this journey. I am grateful to Diedre Dennie (FLG19) for posting a powerful working document of collected resources to facilitate growth for white people to become allies for anti-racist work and for being willing to have a conversation about racial injustice. I am grateful to Deonte Ward (NLA19, FLG20) and Comacell Brown, Jr, (NLA20) for their stunning mural of George Floyd (created at the Vigil in Annapolis, featured below).Their art memorializes George and what his death represents and encourages us to consider the pain caused by institutional racism.
“The Master Plan” by Chris Wilson was included as part of this year’s Neighborhood Leadership program and Chris joined the class in-person on Zoom to share his story. Chris’ story is not a textbook on racial inequality but rather his lived experience of racism which is representative of the greater problem, much the same way that George Floyd’s death is a call to action for those not personally affected by racism.
Beyond our local community, in recent weeks I have found Brene’ Brown’s podcast Unlocking Us extremely helpful. In particular, her interviews with Austin Channing Brown and Ibram X Kendi.
These resources have inspired me to add How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad and I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown to my summer reading list. I share this in case you are inspired to read any or all of these books as well. Perhaps we can begin an informal LAA book club on Zoom and learn together this summer.
Another mantra that has inspired me over my personal journey is “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” We are at an inflection point for racial justice in our community and in our nation. The value of LAA lies in our 1400+ alumni to provide the education, resources and networks necessary to be the leaders we need to be in this moment - to do the thoughtful, transformative work of real leadership. I look forward to reflecting, listening, learning and partnering to effect change - to do better - together.
Artists pictured left to right: Deonte Ward, Jeff Huntington, Comacell Brown, Jr.
LAA, a nonprofit 501c3 organization, is the premier leadership training and networking institute in Anne Arundel County since 1993. The Mission of Leadership Anne Arundel is to provide people of diverse backgrounds with education, resources and networks necessary to become successful proactive leaders. LAA inspires, develops and connects community leaders through education, training, information, events and networking. Please support LAA by investing in Membership.
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On March 12, 2020, the Flagship Class of 2020 visited the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management Command Center as part of their Law & Public Safety Day. They toured the dispatch center where emergency management stakeholders gather in case of an emergency. 
It’s my new favorite song. In times like this,
"Are we there yet?"
In Austin Channing Brown’s book, 
